The morning sun filtered gently through the high branches lining the dirt road, warming the backs of the Shrek Academy group as they approached the towering gates of Blue Tyrant Academy. Though modest in structure compared to the palatial Heaven Dou Imperial Academy, Blue Tyrant possessed a quiet dignity, its walls lined with vibrant blue banners and the emblem of a roaring thunder dragon stitched in silver.
Flender walked in front, hands clasped behind his back, head held high. Beside him strode Zhao Wuji, expression unreadable beneath his thick brows. The students followed in quiet formation. There was a sense of cautious anticipation among them. Unlike the last time, they were here not as petitioners but as candidates with leverage: strength.
"This is the one?" Oscar murmured to Ning Rongrong as they stepped through the gate.
She nodded, brushing her hair behind her ear. "Blue Tyrant Academy. It has a strong reputation for independent spirit masters. My clan never dealt much with them, but they aren't affiliated with any noble houses. That's probably why Flender chose it."
At the entrance courtyard, a staff member with graying hair and a clipboard approached. His sharp eyes scanned the group, then focused on Flender.
"You are from Shrek Academy, correct? We received a letter from your side. I am your examiner Yin Shu. Our headmaster asked us to assess your qualifications."
"Of course," Flender replied with a polite nod. "We came to offer ourselves as instructors. We believe we meet the requirements."
Yin Shu arched an eyebrow. "Our baseline requirement is Rank 60 or higher. If your level reach it, there no need for further testing. May I confirm your levels?"
Flender gestured with a hand, and the demonstration began.
With practiced ease, Zhao Wuji stepped forward and released his martial spirit. Golden soul rings burst from his body: two yellow, two purple, and three black rings spiraled upward in a dazzling display.
"Spirit Saint. Rank 76," Zhao Wuji announced.
Yin Shu blinked, caught between surprise and professionalism.
Next was Flender, whose owl-shaped spirit flared to life with a brilliant burst of six rings—two yellow, two purple, two black.
"Spirit Saint. Rank 78."
Then follow by Qin Ming martial spirit Fiery Grey World level 62, Li Yusong martial spirit Dragon Bar level 63, Lu Qibin martial spirit Othello level 66 and Shao Xin martial spirit Jelly Bean level 71 with each more than level 60.
Yin Shu nearly dropped his clipboard. Behind them, the other instructors also revealed their ranks, all over Rank 60.
"Impressive... more than impressive," the man murmured, adjusting his glasses. "With this level of experience, I must bring you directly to our dean. Please, follow me."
Whispers broke out among the students as they followed Yin Shu deeper into the academy. The stone paths wound through quiet gardens and training courtyards until they reached a long building near the back.
Yin Shu opened the door and gestured for them to enter. "Please wait here. I will inform the dean."
The room was simple but dignified. Large windows opened to the forest behind the academy. A long desk sat at the far end, flanked by scroll shelves and trophies. The air felt heavy with authority.
Flender looked calm, but a subtle tension rippled through his posture. Zhao Wuji glanced at him sideways. "You alright?"
"Depends," Flender said softly. "If the dean is who I think it is... we might be in for a complicated reunion."
Moments later, footsteps echoed beyond the door. It opened.
A woman stepped inside.
She was tall and striking, her crimson robes embroidered with lightning motifs. Her long hair flowed freely down her back, and her presence exuded strength and fierce charisma. But it was her eyes—sharp and burning with intelligence—that made the room fall silent.
"Flender?" she said softly.
Flender turned slowly. His face twitched, an old memory awakening.
"...Liu Erlong."
Her lips parted. She took a step forward, then stopped. "It is you. After all this time."
Zhao Wuji blinked. "Wait... you two know each other?"
She didn't answer. Her eyes locked on Flender, gaze intense. Then she noticed the others behind him, and recognition dawned further.
"And is that Yu Xiaogang?" Her voice faltered.
Yu Xiaogang stepped from behind the group, face stiff but composed. "Erlong."
The room was wrapped in silence.
Erlong laughed once—short and brittle. "You bring him here, after vanishing for years. Typical Flender. Always dropping bombs without warning."
Flender sighed. "I didn't know you were the dean."
"And I didn't know you were still trying to run a ragtag school out of that swamp you called Shrek."
Despite the bite in her voice, her eyes shimmered faintly. She turned away, moving behind her desk to compose herself. "Yin Shu said you're applying as instructors. Based on what I just heard, I would be insane not to accept you."
"That's not all," Zhao Wuji said. "Our students need entry into the Continental Advanced Spirit Master Academy Elite Tournament. That's the real reason we're here."
Erlong crossed her arms. "If you join as teachers, your students will be part of Blue Tyrant Academy. They will represent us in the tournament."
Flender glanced back at the students. All were silent, watching, waiting.
"This is my teacher and student from Shrek." Flender introduce them to Liu Erlong. "And everyone she is one of the person that adventure with us as the third in the Golden Iron Triangle. The killing point."
Hearing this the student impress.
But Yu Xiaogang still look awkwardly toward Liu Erlong.
Then Liu Erlong invite them to the guest house. In there Flender said the stories on how they reach this academy including Heaven Dou Imperial Academy treatment of Shrek.
________________
"How dare they bully Boss Fu!" Liu Erlong growled, her temper flaring. "Boss Fu, don't say anymore. My place is also your place! Everyone can stay here."
"Our requirements are quite high." Seeing an opportunity to negotiate, Flender pressed, "Can you bear it?"
"Payment?" Liu Erlong raised an eyebrow. "That's your problem now, Boss Fu."
Flender looked confused—until she placed a hand on his shoulder.
"You're the boss of the Golden Iron Triangle. From now on, this school is yours."
Gasps filled the room. Only Li Wei chuckled from the side.
"Tomorrow I will announce in the meeting: the name will be changed to Shrek. Yin Shu, announce a meeting with all teachers and students."
"Yes, Dean," Yin Shu said.
"Deputy dean," Liu Erlong corrected with a smirk.
Flender turned toward Li Wei, as if seeking rescue.
Li Wei simply shrugged, laughing. "Do your best."
From across the room, Zhu Zhuqing met Li Wei's eyes. She didn't smile, but her gaze said enough.
They were not defeated. They had found a new path. And it began here, at the new Shrek Academy.